Be careful, everybody try to sell you cashmere or pashmina shawls. Be aware that many times those tissues are fake and synthetic. You can buy nice leather products, or jewellery. The way to determine whether the shawl you are buying is of good quality, they will pull it through a ring - the wedding ring test. Secondly, the weave pattern on a good pashmina is more faint than on a "silk pashmina" or other wool pashmina. You do not need to "be careful" that people will try to sell you this, this is the local specialty, it is THE place to buy this product.

You can also buy embroidered felt mats called Namdahs but the colours of the wools may be a bit too bright in most shops. The Government Emporia supplies might be better than the other private shops. There are also chainstitch rugs in two styles - English design or kilim design - it will be evident what is meant when you see them.

Carpets
Srinagar is famous for its traditional Kashmiri handicrafts. Craft items from Srinagar make good souvenirs. There are also a number of utilitarian items of daily use. Woolen and silk carpets from Srinagar are a specialty; they are not only known for their highly intricate decorations and patterns, which show a strong Islamic/Persian influence, they are also renowned for their durability and subtle colors.

Chain-stitch carpets from Srinagar are also popular craft items. Travelers can purchase exquisite papier-mâché items such as boxes, vases, replicas of samovar (metal container used for heating water for tea), houseboat models, etc., in all shapes and having bright colors and designs.

Shawls
The handicrafts repertoire of Kashmir is incomplete without woolen shawls and woodcarving. Travelers can purchase richly embroidered woolen shawls in all colors and intricate designs in Srinagar . Apart from regular woolen shawls, one can also buy Pashmina shawls (made from the hair of ibex) and shahtoosh shawls (made from the hair of the Tibetan antelope), which are highly valued shawls made in Kashmir . As Kashmir is the only state in India where walnut trees grow, craftsmen here create intricate carvings on walnut wood to make items like tables, chairs, stools, fruit bowls, partitions, etc., that have rich floral and trellis patterns carved on them.